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We're an Agile Family!

A colleague sent me this TED talk, Agile Programming for your Family. I know of companies that have used agile methodologies outside of technology including marketing, construction, and operations. But to be a agile family with a scrum board, and family retrospectives?

It actually makes sense if you can avoid becoming a "tiger" agile family and don't catch any backlash from your teenage daughter for bringing a geeky process from the office into the home.

I like the agile family manifesto suggested by Bruce

Adapt all the time - This is fully aligned with agile principles that support prioritization with every sprint. Bottom line is that kids and family life are highly volatile - kids get sick, trouble in school, birthday parties, and all kinds of events and behavioral changes that are out of parental control. Adapt = reassess and prioritize.

Empower your children - Again, this is in line with agile principles of self organization, though it might feel counter intuitive with kids especially when they are young. Bruce suggests starting early when they are young, which makes sense given today's environment and the choices kids have to make on their own.

Tell Your Story - This is equivalent to setting your vision. Tell your team who you are, who you want to be, and what are your core values.

But my favorite line, and why Bruce says this works is "You can't underestimate the power of making a check mark." Done.